Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

Vontaze Burfict is one of the better inside linebacker prospects to come out in a few years. He has the size, strength, range and athleticism to be an every-down linebacker at the next level.

This Arizona State product really excels at tackling and working his way through traffic to find the ball-carrier. At 6'3" and 250, he can take on blockers, disengage, and work up the middle. He has enough speed and lateral quickness to be effective in underneath zone coverage. However, he will need to improve in man-to-man coverage, whether it is tracking a tight end over the middle or spilling into the flats to get after running backs.

NFL coaches will need to work on his technique since he too often falls back on his instincts and athleticism. Whether it be pass coverage, footwork in zones or if he is tackling, he'll need to be mindful he is playing under control. In the past he struggled with keeping a level-head on the field-- showing issues with keeping emotions in check.

Burfict will be a useful NFL pro and will nicely fit in a defense that needs their inside linebackers to show multiple looks. He can do it all, but will need coaching up to remain disciplined to his assignments.

I change my prediction to 7th rd and he very well may go undrafted! He's way to slow and had a sub par year. Why he's coming out early is not gonna pan out. Shoulda stayed and worked on his speed. Look at Mel Kipers quote about this guy...

"You think about the year that he had, which wasn't spectacular, and the fact that he ran the 5-flat 40 and the unsportsmanlike penalties, which (have been) written about all year, I think you're looking at Vontaze Burfict as a guy that has probably dropped as much in this draft, in terms of ratings, as probably any prospect in recent times."

Posted by:
Brose31 04/20/12 02:42 AM

Prediction: 3rd Round

I mean did anyone else notice slow as dog poop!? He runs a 5.09 40!?! it is not that hard for a linebacker to run at least a 4.8 should e more like 4.6-4.7. I don't care how "quick" he is that's slow. Hell get beat by most every RB when cutting the sideline corner. @discgolfur. Your nuts, absoluely nuts in saying the browns should get him with their 2nd 1st rd pick! Browns need a lot more help than at ILB. D'Quell Jackson could be a OLB but he's a top 10 LB in the NFL and is best LB browns has had n years.

Posted by:
Brose31 04/20/12 02:26 AM

Prediction: 5th Round

The next Pandora Box or next Head Case???
Needs to be watched and had a talked with Ray Lewis with no avail and loves to throw his coach under the BUS!!!

Posted by:
wkwok412 04/08/12 11:38 PM

Prediction: 4th Round

Next to Ray Lewis could help him a lot

Posted by:
Ravens_D 03/26/12 06:08 PM

Prediction: 4th Round

Threw his coaching staff under the bus during interviews. Major red flags. My guess is he will never get it and flame out pretty quickly.

Posted by:
Pouncey53Fan 03/10/12 01:56 PM

Prediction: 1st Round

Burfict, will be a good fit in Philly in the middle at 6'3 250 with speed and can stop the run and play sideline to sideline. Keuchly, is too small at 237 to whole down the middle in the NFL. He's a OLB. They said the samething about Randy Moss, Burfict will be fine!

Posted by:
IRONMAN BLITZ 02/21/12 09:05 PM

Prediction: 1st Round

My Baltimore Ravens.

Posted by:
joshieboi1111 02/10/12 11:14 PM

Prediction: 1st Round

I think hes a good fit in Baltimore. The Ravens have a great coaching staff, not to mention one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history, and need a linebacker who can show multiple looks.

Posted by:
theking52 01/17/12 04:42 PM

Prediction: 1st Round

From a Jets fan, I think he lands in Philly.

Posted by:
Daniel K 01/14/12 01:51 AM

Prediction: 1st Round

Green Bay. He is a high motor perfect fit in Green Bay. in a 3-4 Linebacker have to be fast and big. They can be bold and take him at the end of the first because the Packers are, well, the packers.